Tips from the Pros: RB Frank Gore

For anyone wanting to play running back, who better to get tips from than Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore? Check out what Frank thinks is important to playing his position!

Biggest Asset for a Running Back
You have to be able to take and withstand pain. There are 11 guys on the other team who are all coming after you. You have to have the mindset that you are going to deliver a blow every time you touch the ball.

Needing More Tools than Just Speed
A lot of times, the best running backs aren't the fastest guys. You see a lot of backs with average speed succeed in the NFL because they haven't been able to just rely on their quickness. Instead, they have excelled because they have great vision, great footwork and good balance. You can't just get the ball and take off, you have to learn and understand how to set things up.

The Importance of Vision for a Running Back
Vision is very important for running backs. Even if your offensive line doesn't open up huge holes every play, you can still make the play work if you have good vision. You have to be able to see the small things. If you can do that, you can be successful.

Catching the Ball out of the Backfield
If you want to stay in the game on all three downs, you have to be able to catch the ball as a receiver as well. Teams can't just tee off on the run, they have to respect you in the passing game as well. Once you put those two things together, you can be a special back.

Blocking
Even though I didn't have the yards that a lot of other backs had this year, I feel like I'm one of the best backs in the league because I have a complete game. I do all three things; I catch, I run and I block. If you can do all of those things, you will be a great football player. Don't just focus on the running aspect. You have to be a complete player. Blocking as a running back usually means picking up the blitz in the passing game so you can buy your quarterback extra time to get the ball to the receivers.

General Advice
In order to be a great running back, you have to have a strong mind because it's a tough job. You're going to have your ups and downs, but you have to be able to keep on fighting even when things aren't going right. My advice would be to focus on having a complete, well-rounded game. Again, be able to catch, run and block!

**MORE TIPS FROM THE PROS:CLICK HERE FOR TIPS ON PLAYING WIDE RECEIVER FROM JOSH MORGAN

CLICK HERE FOR TIPS ON TACKLING FROM LB PATRICK WILLIS**